d. env in environmental science and engineering

D. Env in Environmental Science and Engineering

Master problem solvers

The next generation of master environmental problem solvers are trained here. Our academically diverse, practice-intensive method prepares graduates to take on today’s most complex environmental problems. The Environmental Science and Engineering professional doctorate was founded by Nobel laureate Willard Libby in 1973. Since then, more than 230 graduates have gone on to take senior leadership positions at places such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Walt Disney Company, the Army Corps of Engineers and AECOM.

ESE Residency

The residency embeds students with public agencies, businesses and environmental groups to provide practical experience in environmental analysis and management. While students work, they conduct applied dissertation research under the supervision of UCLA faculty.

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elissa foster, e.s.e. 2016, senior manager of product responsibility for patagonia
alumni spotlight

Elissa Foster, E.S.E. 2016, Senior Manager of Product Responsibility for Patagonia

The comprehensive education and experience Elissa Foster received in the Environmental Science and Engineering doctoral program made her an expert in environmental sustainability. Her dissertation on product life cycle assessment and usage in the apparel industry gave her skills to evaluate environmental effects of textile and apparel industries, including raw material extraction, knitting and weaving, dyeing, manufacturing, distribution, usage, disposal and recycling. Now, as a senior manager of product responsibility for Patagonia, Foster is responsible for developing sustainable strategies at the apparel company. Her challenge is to consider how the company can continue to make great products — apparel, equipment, and accessories ­— to satisfy high demand while reducing environmental impact. To achieve Patagonia’s goal of a carbon-neutral supply chain by 2025, Foster oversees a team of environmental researchers and data scientists, using life cycle assessment to give the company accurate information and suggestions. “I think that by choosing more responsible materials and manufacturing processes ­­— recycled instead of virgin material, specific dye technologies or no dyes at all ­— there are ways we can reduce impact.” 

“As an ecologist with ties from farmlands in El Salvador to L.A.’s large urban ecosystem, the best way to protect habitats I love is integrating science and policy”

​Jenny Aleman-Zometa

​Current E.S.E.

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